New Solutions for Food Deserts

This fall, Denver Food Rescue (DFR) and Grow Local (GLC) have joined forces. GLC harvests vegetables from their gardens and Denver Food Rescue picks the produce up within minutes of them being picked and delivers it to their free grocery programs. That means fresher, nutritious food for those in need who often can’t afford healthy options.

Grow Local Colorado promotes local food, local community and the local economy. One of the ways these goals are met is to grow vegetables in many of Denver’s public spaces, including city parks and the Governor’s Mansion. All of the produce grown by Grow Local goes to communities in need, such as food pantries and soup kitchens. Last year GLC grew over 5,000 pounds of produce, donated to eleven communities in need.

Denver Food Rescue partners with nine low income communities in Denver to create free grocery programs led by the residents. Each of these programs serves about 50 families per week. DFR picks up 1,000 pounds of food per day from grocery stores and farmers markets. Often this food would be thrown out due to minor blemishes. Roughly 50 volunteers do daily pick-ups, seven days a week. As if that isn’t impressive enough, 75 percent of DFR’s pick-ups are done on bicycles with trailers.

If you would like to learn more about, volunteer with or donate to either organization, contact Grow Local Colorado at GrowLocalColorado@gmail.com, and Denver Food Rescue at info@DenverFoodRescue.org.